Henry Solano, the district attorney for Las Animas and Huerfano counties, is throwing his endorsement for Colorado attorney general to Democrat Amy Padden.

Solano is a former assistant Colorado attorney general and served as the U.S. attorney for Colorado during the Clinton administration. He also served as the solicitor of labor in the Clinton administration.

“I know and respect all five candidates for attorney heneral, but I believe Amy Padden is the best choice to be the attorney for the people and to help protect the people of Colorado through strong public safety including protecting civil rights.” Solano said in a statement.

Padden is facing four Democrats: state Rep. Joe Salazar of Thornton, Denver lawyer Brad Levin of Denver and former University of Colorado law school dean Phil Weiser of Denver.

Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler is the only Republican in the race, and William Robinson of Denver is running as a Libertarian.

Solano began his career as a poverty law attorney with Colorado Rural Legal Services. He is a board member of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks and sues hate groups for civil rights violations.

Solano also is the president and general counsel to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a civil rights organization focused on Latinos, as well as a lifetime achievement award-winner of the National Hispanic Bar Association.

“I am extremely honored to receive this endorsement,” Padden stated. “Henry Solano is a leader in law enforcement, a leader in Civil Rights, and a leader in our communities. Mr. Solano knows exactly what it takes to be an effective attorney general, and I am humbled that he chose to support my candidacy.”

Padden a former Colorado assistant attorney general in the Consumer Protection Section, and served as an assistant U.S. attorney for 11 years. She was the the third in command for the Colorado office during the Obama administration.